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Grey squirrel deterrents
Grey squirrels can be a problem in gardens and the wider countryside. What can you do to keep them out of your backyard?
- Cones and baffles fixed on to the string of a hanging feeder plastic coke bottles, large domes and disks.
- If feeder is hung from washing line, thread line through a length of hosepipe or a plastic coke bottle on each side.
- Downward opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below the bird table to prevent squirrel climbing up it. Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.
- Feeder with spring-loaded cover is on the market. Weight of the squirrel will lower the cover, preventing it access to the food.
- Remember that all these methods will only work if the squirrel cannot jump directly onto the feeder, but will have to approach via the defended route.
- Feeders with a cage around them are squirrel resistant, although not squirrel proof, and a small individual will be able to fit through.
- Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (eg. Tabasco) can be dusted onto birdfood. Birds are not bothered by the chilli, but squirrels cannot put up with the burning sensation, and will leave the food alone.